V1. 
I think it well to bring the most important into one collec- 
tion. Whatever may be thought of my conclusions, I leave 
these observations as my contribution to the great fishery 
question. 
In regard to the scientific staff mentioned, I trust it will 
be understood that my remarks and strictures are entirely 
made in their Pickwickian or Fishery sense, and with- 
out personality. I have not the honour of knowing any 
of the gentlemen personally, and have no doubt they 
are, as most Englishmen are, very estimable men in private 
life, when not mounted on their scientific hobby-horse and 
riding the poor fishermen to death; but in their public 
capacity I think they furnish one additional proof of the 
wisdom of our great poet when he exclaims, ‘‘ Proud man 
drest in a little brief authority, most ignorant of what he’s 
most assured, plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven 
as make the angels weep.” 
Since delivering this lecture-:my attention has been called 
by Mr. Midgely, Curator of the Chadwick Museum, Bolton, 
to Professor McIntosh’s book on the subject, just published, 
and entitled, ‘‘The Resources of the Sea.’ Professor 
McIntosh is a far more able man than I am. He isa 
recognised authority on these questions, and has devoted his 
life to scientific studies, while I, busily occupied in my own 
onerous profession as an engineer, have only been able to 
devote my leisure hours to the subject. I earnestly hope 
